takethemeeting profile picture
takethemeeting profile picture

takethemeeting

AE

Opinionated
Fire Starter
Contributor
+2

The age old question

*UPDATE* decided to go with the big logo. More structure, better AE training, and long term stability. Thank you all for the input!

Hey savages, been a while since I've posted on here.. 

You guys always give the best advice so I thought I'd throw this one out there. would you rather work for a start up that's a disruptor or a big logo that's known in your industry? (Both are commercial/smb AE roles)

The start up is offering a lower pay structure but 50k in stock options and they are seeking to be acquired by a big player within the next year. You also have the opportunity to advance to enterprise-level deals in 6 mo.

Big logo is offering a higher pay structure, but a fraction of the stock options the start up is offering and have already seen their growth spurt. Advancement to enterprise deals is unclear (18-24 mo?)

Is it worth being a number at a larger org just for the name brand and higher pay off the bat? Or is the start up the move considering the potential return from stock options and advancement to an enterprise role?

Curious to hear some input here.
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18 comments

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antiASKHOLE
Tycoon
5
Bravado's Resident Asshole
I would not even consider a start up at this time. It is way too rocky and for you to put your ass on the line, I would go with something a little more solid, at least until everything settles, then do what your little heart desires.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
5
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
The stability, support, and (usually) better training at the big logo company would have me leaning that way, but the better pay seals the deal.
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
3
Sales Rep
Given the details, I will go with the big logo with the high pay structure. Solely b/c of the higher pay structure and I am biased since there arent many start ups by me so I dont hear any success stories from working at one.
NotCreativeEnough
Big Shot
3
Professional Day Ruiner
with the state of the current economy, I wouldn't even consider a startup. Unless you have the cash in the bank to give yourself a lot of runway in even they go under.

It's a tough time to be a startup right now. People aren't spending as much money so you get less new revenue. and VC's are tightening their belts so you'll get less outside funding. This makes them a huge risk to you as an employee.

Add to it that the big logo company pays more, and you have stock that is actually worth something since the company is bigger vs a startup where that stock is literally worthless for who knows how long.
takethemeeting
Opinionated
1
AE
That’s a great point, I didn’t consider the outside funding. Would definitely add pressure to close new logos and grow revenue organically. Also valid how the stock options for the start up is worthless until something happens- acquisition, ipo, etc. which who knows if that will ever happen.
jefe
Arsonist
3
🍁
Based on pay structure I'd say go with big logo. I don't mind startups one bit, but take the guaranteed money.

Especially if you're in the US.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
3
🦊
Big logo sounds more stable. 🤷‍♀️
SaaSsy
Politicker
3
AE
I'd take the risk and go startup as long as you know what comes with that. Everyone's advice is solid if you're risk averse and have kids/others to take care of, but it could be a fun and interesting ride, especially if you feel confident the company can ride out the storm and reward you for battling with them.
takethemeeting
Opinionated
2
AE
I like how you’re playing devils advocate here considering most of the backlash on the startup. It’s robust software and one of the only players in the space. Definitely risks that come with it but also benefits of collaborating with leadership and making an impact. However, lower pay/comp is a big downside.
SaaSsy
Politicker
3
AE
Let us know which you pick and congrats :)
saaskicker
Celebrated Contributor
2
Enterprise AE
How many years of experience do you have? -- are you in a position to take a lower pay now and cross your fingers for a payout that has a 90% chance of never happening?
takethemeeting
Opinionated
1
AE
Fairly new to the game- 18 months experience with 6 months closing experience. Taking the gamble of the startup being acquired may not be ideal given the current state of the economy.
saaskicker
Celebrated Contributor
1
Enterprise AE
IMO you don't have the closing experience to make a splash at a start up. go learn from an org you can get coaching, mentorship etc from other reps, don't fall for the unfilled promise of "the CEO will work directly with you / be in the trenches" or whatever BS the startup is going to pitch you. Selling a product that's new to market, small marketing budget with your experience is going to be very hard.
GDO
Politicker
2
BDM
Mmm startup in these times? I wouldn’t.
adrienmc
Good Citizen
2
Founder @LaGrowthMachine
Beware of two things if your startups analysis :
- when a startup is acquired, employee that have shares can see their vesting reseted with the acquisition. It makes sense for the acquiring company : you’re buying a company and you want the team to stick around, so you don’t pay out immediately on the stock options…. This is not spoken of enough but quite common
- a startup seeking to be “acquired next year by a big player” should be a red flag, especially if the company is less than 3-4years old
TennisandSales
Politicker
2
Head Of Sales
i stopped reading when i you said "low base pay but 50K in stock options"

THAT IS NOT OK.

there is SUCH a high chance that the stock options will actually COST you money not earn you money.

negotiate lower stock and more base pay in my opinion. unless you really want to dig into the value of the shares, how many shares outstanding, what they priced each share at for the last round of funding ect ect
Kmoney
Valued Contributor
0
Account Exec
There is not guaranteed path for an AE, unless it is explicitly stated in your contract.

The Big Logo is going to pay you more now, and open up doors for higher pay in the future. Big logos pouch from big logos. Moderate risk, high reward.

Startup? High risk, low reward.

But no one knows better than you.
BitcoinAddict
Opinionated
0
AE
Big logo ALL THE WAY. I have spent time at startups and talk to people that have as well. What gets me is that most startups seem to have the same kind of culture. The boss is nice at first but then as soon as a new round of funding comes, the same manager becomes intrusive, petty and micromanaging.

Finally, the amount of know it all types at startups is way too high. I have found people at big logos to stay in their lane and be far more humble.

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